Chapter 571: Breaking the Dream to See True Martial (2)

Chapter571: The Dream Shatters, Revealing the True Martial (Part II)

Whoosh.

Several flying swords formed a sword array, sweeping past the moonlit forest, their blades biting tightly into a panicked, disheveled figure fleeing.

The tail flames surged, the fierce wind they kicked up shaking loose the snow clinging to the branches, which fluttered down and struck the three cultivators pursuing side by side.

One of them had rugged features and resolute eyes—none other than Chen Qisheng, who had been ordered down the mountain.

His mission this time was to travel with two fellow disciples of the Demon‑Subduing Hall to the Southern Zhili region, to investigate the murder of the cultivators of the Autumn Rain Observatory.

The Autumn Rain Observatory had long been preaching in the Suzhou prefecture; though it belonged to the ‘New Sect’ cultivators, it did not rely on the major sects like Longhu or Gezao, standing as an independent, modest force.

Originally, a single observatory constituted a single sect, and it had little contact with Wudang Mountain; there was little interaction between them. Logically, even if its cultivators were slain, Wudang would not need to specially dispatch Demon‑Subduing Hall disciples to avenge them.

But after the New Year passed, under the deliberate promotion of the sects led by Longhu Mountain, Wudang had indeed become the leader of the cultivators, and the Ancestral Hall on Heaven‑Pillar Peak had become the true ancestral shrine revered by all cultivators of the empire.

As the saying goes, 'Lean against a big tree and enjoy the shade.'

Now, with Wudang offering a towering, free‑sheltering giant tree, many small sects like the Autumn Rain Observatory flocked to it, earnestly seeking its protection from wind and rain.

Whatever the matter, big or small, whenever a conflict arose with other sects, they all turned to Wudang for aid.

Coincidentally, at the start of the new year the empire’s situation suddenly grew turbulent, with constant clashes and friction between prefectures and counties.

In nearly every skirmish one could see the silhouettes of the martial sects, while the victims were varied—every household except the Ink Sect suffered.

Thus the cultivators of the Demon‑Subduing Hall were busy to the point of exhaustion, running east and west, putting out fires everywhere.

And what happened to the Autumn Rain Observatory this time was even more horrifying to hear.

Except for the observatory’s head, virtually all of its cultivators were slaughtered.

The scene was grotesquely bloody; the bodies of the slain cultivators were torn apart, their foundations scattered haphazardly, and the reconstructed bone‑construct bodies vanished without a trace.

The next day, the bodily components of those cultivators suddenly appeared in the local black market, sold at dirt‑cheap prices.

Clearly, this was not merely a massacre to destroy the observatory and exterminate the cultivators; it was a deliberate humiliation aimed at the cultivators themselves.

The news reached Wudang Mountain, and the elders of the Demon‑Subduing Hall flew into a rage, immediately ordering a sixth‑rank True Martial cultivator to lead the operation, with Chen Qisheng and another fellow disciple who had also been honored at the year‑end Dharma assembly as his assistants; the three were to go to Suzhou Prefecture to investigate and must slay the hidden mastermind.

The investigation proceeded unusually smoothly; almost all evidence pointed to the martial sect that had long held a grudge against the Autumn Rain Observatory—the Black Banner Society.

Yet a confrontation that should have been decisive turned out unexpectedly, allowing the Black Banner Society’s martial cultivator ahead to escape.

Hence the present night‑time pursuit in the snow.

"Ahead lies the territory of the Black Banner Society; if we cannot catch up, we will retreat immediately—under no circumstances should we become entangled in a prolonged fight, understand?"

The cultivator surnamed He, positioned in the middle, spoke softly; another Demon‑Subduing Hall cultivator answered in affirmation.

Chen Qisheng, his robe sleeves stained with blood, furrowed his brows and quickened his pace.

This forest lay in a mountain valley; viewed from the height of the tracking constructs, the terrain widened at the rear and narrowed at the front, like a gourd.

The stronghold of the Black Chess Sect, Wu County, stood at the mouth of the gourd.

The whistling of swords slicing through the air ahead was especially piercing in the silent woods.

The scorching tail flames vaporized the spilled blood, sending up a nauseating stench.

Yet the Black Banner Society’s martial cultivator displayed astonishing endurance; even though his skin was utterly ruined, he lay on the brink of death, he did not fall—in fact, his flight speed grew ever faster.

Senior Brother He stared fixedly at the fleeing figure in the distance; though unwilling, he realized they could not pursue any further.

They were about to burst out of the woods, and the enemy’s reinforcements were surely on their way, likely to appear soon.

When that happened, we would be outnumbered, the offense and defense would reverse, and it would be us three brothers who would be hunted.

It seemed this mission could not be completed.

Still, uncovering that the Black Banner Society was behind it would be enough; the rest could be left to the sect to handle.

Senior Brother He sighed inwardly, hesitated no longer, and decisively ordered a halt.

"Halt!"

Hearing this, the other Demon‑Subduing Hall cultivator stamped his foot hard, sending powdered snow flying; his frantic form came to an abrupt stop.

But the next instant, a flash‑like figure darted past before their eyes, instantly widening the gap between them.

"Junior Brother Chen, what are you doing?!"

Chen Qisheng paid no heed to the shout behind him.

He flicked his thumb, a pill popped into his mouth, turning into a warm current that flowed through his body.

His blood boiled, his spirit ignited; a vast surge of true qi rose from his foundation, and Chen Qisheng’s forward surge burst forth with even greater speed.

The Black Banner Society’s martial cultivator, already at the forest’s edge, heard the sword’s whine above fade away; his blood‑smeared face instantly lit up with the wild joy of having escaped death.

He was less than ten li from his sect’s home in Wu County; the few stinking ox‑noses behind him surely felt wary and dared not continue the chase.

Good!

Since you’re afraid, now it’s my turn to hunt you down!

The cultivator’s visage twisted into a hideous grin, hatred surging like a torrent.

A New Sect Autumn Rain Observatory, led by a seventh‑rank observatory chief with a handful of novice daoists whose hair had not yet fully grown, dared to set up a shrine and preach in Suzhou without paying homage to the Black Banner Society’s pier—nothing short of courting death.

A force as tiny as a sesame seed or mung bean—wipe it out and be done with it. Even Longhu Mountain has no interest in meddling; why should Wudang waste time chasing mice?

Especially that surnamed Chen cultivator—he not only sliced apart several of my brothers, he nearly tore out my viscera with his bare hands.

If this grudge is not avenged, where shall the Black Banner Society put its face?

The relief of survival and the thrill of revenge intertwined in his chest, invigorating his weary spirit; the piercing pain throughout his body was dulled to an almost imperceptible degree.

The dead trees blocking his view rushed past behind him; as his vision widened ahead, rows of dark silhouettes came sprinting toward him.

"They’re our own!"

Seeing the familiar black garb of the Black Banner Society, the man’s heart surged, and an uncontrollable shout of excitement burst from his lips.

"Brothers, I’m here!"

The roar had barely left his mouth when he sensed a deadly, piercing whistle behind him.

"How is this possible?! How dare they still…"

The Black Banner Society cultivator jerked his head back; a icy blade of light instantly filled his vision.

Pfft!

A hand plunged into the gushing spring of blood, firmly gripping the severed head that had flown aloft.

The headless corpse, still moving by inertia, lurched forward; its swaying form resembled a brush flung wildly, drawing a vivid scarlet line across the deep snow that could swallow a wrist.

Chen Qisheng wiped the blood from his eyelids with the back of his sword hand; the boiling medicinal power caused his eyes to flicker with a faint golden light as he calmly gazed at the thin line of enemy forces approaching in the distance.

He shook his wrist, brandished his blade, and the edge flashed forth.

"There are quite a few of them."

A mournful sigh suddenly echoed in his ear.

Chen Qisheng turned his head to see the speaker—none other than the Demon‑Subduing Hall fellow disciple whose name he had never bothered to remember.

Hewore a grim expression, his stature standing shoulder‑to‑shoulder with Chen Qisheng.

Chen Qisheng, you’re practically rebelling this time. Later I’ll report honestly to the elders and give you a proper dressing‑down. You brat, you give me no face at all—do you even see me as your senior brother?

The Daoist named He stood on Chen Qisheng’s other side, reaching up to seize a flying sword that had fallen from the Tian Guan.

You…

Chen Qisheng looked at them with doubtful eyes.

What are you staring at? Do you think we could just abandon you? Our Wudang has never had such a rule.

Senior Brother He chuckled: “Your actions are a bit rash, but the true‑martial spirit in your blood is admirable.”

“Senior brother, I don’t mean to interrupt, but can we go back and chat later? The urgent matter is how we get out of here!”

Another Daoist licked his dry, nervous lips.

In his eyes the reflected figure loomed larger at breakneck speed, waves of palpable ferocity washing over him, stinging the skin of his face.

“Don’t worry, senior brother—I’ll definitely bring you all back to the mountain safely.”

Senior Brother He gave a faint smile, raised his hand unhurriedly, lifted his sword, its edge pointing straight at the night‑sky vault.

Boom!

A deafening thunderclap suddenly exploded.

The thunder‑light that fell from the heavens heaved up a towering snow wall several zhang high, the hard ground plowed into a deep gorge that lay across the valley.

Several Black Flag Society martial practitioners in the lead were flung to the ground by the thunder’s aftershock, snow dust coating their faces, disheveled, they lifted their heads in horror.

The clouds swirled like a vortex, a brilliant star blazing and hanging in the sky.

Thud.

A severed head traced an arc, landing at the far end of the ditch.

Chen Qisheng watched the ashen‑faced Black Flag Sect martial practitioners, his expression indifferent, his aura stern.

“The affair of the Qiuyu Guan in Suzhou Prefecture—today we merely executed the chief culprit; it’s not over. If your Black Flag Society fails to give the Daoists a satisfactory explanation, the next thunderbolt will strike your very hall! Our Wudang’s Demon‑Subduing Hall keeps its word!”

Senior Brother He’s gaze was contemptuous, his aura deep and mountain‑steady.

Yet in a place unseen, a divine thought silently seeped from his mind, taking the form of a voice that echoed in the minds of Chen Qisheng and himself.

“Remember, later you must keep your head high and chest out, walk slowly, and never show fear. The celestial‑track star I can summon has only this much power—if they see through us, we’re doomed.”

Having delivered their harsh words, the three senior brothers turned slowly, adopting an air of fearless confidence.

Yet the faces turned away were etched with tension, harsh glances raking their backs, raising gooseflesh.

“Run!”

Senior Brother He, his steps quickening, could no longer hold back, letting out a low shout.

But just as he shook off his pace, he saw Chen Qisheng’s figure flash past him at breakneck speed.

Even the other Daoist was sprinting just as fast.

In an instant, Senior Brother He realized he had become the rearmost guard, and he couldn’t help cursing.

“You two little rascals, where’s that vigor you just showed?”

“Elder, the task you assigned me is already completed.”

“Hmm, Yanlong, you’ve worked hard.”

“Not at all—being able to serve you is my blessing.”

“Among the hundreds of practitioners in the Demon‑Subduing Hall, yours is the sharpest mind, the most agile thoughts—a true talent. It’s a shame your gift for the True Martial Way is so poor; otherwise you’d surely one day preside over a palace on Heaven‑Pillar Peak.”

“Elder, you jest—I know my own worth, clear as a mirror: just petty cleverness, not fit for the stage. I can ease a bit of your worry, and that satisfies me. But speaking of talent, my junior brother Chen Qisheng is a rare Daoist seed!”

“I’ve heard his name; wasn’t he honored at the year‑end ceremony? Chen Qisheng should already have risen to Sequence Seven, right?”

“Replying to Elder, he broke the lock and advanced in rank mid‑last year. With his aptitude and disposition, he should soon be promoted to Sequence Six as a True Martial Wanderer.”

“He truly is talent—what mission is he undertaking down the mountain now?”

“He’s investigating the Qiuyu Guan affair in Suzhou Prefecture. Yesterday Senior Brother He’s report back to the hall praised him without reserve, lauding his true‑martial bearing and urging the sect to nurture him further.”

“Yanlong, are you telling me this to seek the rite for his promotion to Sequence Six, or to obtain a fortifying elixir that strengthens the body’s foundation?”

“The sect’s rules are clear to disciples: such rites and elixirs are granted only after sufficient merit is accrued. Yanlong dares not ask for them, nor would he trouble you.”

“You’re a sensible one. Speak—what reward would you like from me?”

“Disciple wishes you to handle a small matter for me.”

“Speak.”

“Could you please transfer Junior Brother Chen Qisheng out of the Demon‑Subduing Hall? He could be placed anywhere in the mountain’s palaces, even exiled to guard the gate.”

“Does Chen Qisheng bear a grudge against you?”

“No grudge at all. On the contrary, though we share different fathers, I and Qisheng have always been as close as brothers.”

“If that’s so, why do this? Do you know the consequences? In the Demon‑Subduing Hall, the only paths are to earn merit and rise, to retire wounded, or to perish and vanish—there has never been a precedent of one being expelled despite merit and no fault.”

“I beg the elder’s mercy!”

“Zhao Yanlong, is it Chen Qisheng who fears death, or you?”

“I dare not deceive the elder—I am the one who fears death. Chen Qisheng knows nothing of this. The situation below is perilous; as the sword‑edge of Wudang, the Demon‑Subduing Hall constantly courts danger, and Chen Qisheng’s rash nature makes me truly afraid he’ll die down there.”

“Zhao Yanlong, based on those words alone I could have you executed on the spot—do you believe it?”

“Disciple knows that, yet I also believe you would neither kill me nor expel me from Wudang.”

“Hah, Zhao Yanlong, where does such confidence come from?”

“Though I am not skilled in the True Martial Way, I have wide friendships among the mountain gates; every palace and hall has senior brothers I can speak with. We know each other’s roots, we speak freely—otherwise I could not have carried out your orders so smoothly.”

“You’re threatening me, Elder Zhao Yanlong—what audacity!”

“Elder, you misunderstand—I mean that if you ever need to handle any private affair, I can take care of it for you, and I will do it flawlessly, without a single slip.”

“Zhao Yanlong, I truly underestimated you. I can help you with this matter, but if I ever hear even a whisper about today’s affair in the future, you know what the consequence will be.”

“Elder, rest assured—I understand.”

“Zhao Yanlong, you disgrace the Wudang disciples. Get out—from now on you and Chen Qisheng will spend your lives as gatekeepers at the mountain’s base. Even if you die in obscurity, you shall never set foot on Heaven‑Pillar Peak again!”

“Thank you, Elder, for your grace.”

“Take a look—this is the edict just issued from the hall. I never imagined, Junior Brother Chen, that you still wield such heavenly connections within the mountain gate. I, He Zhu, was truly blind as to Mount Tai before. If I have ever offended you, please forgive me.”

He Zhu flung a scroll of bright‑yellow silk bearing the edict at Chen Qisheng, his words dripping with contempt and mockery.

“Are you saying I’m blind? Or has your acting become flawless? Otherwise, when facing those Black Flag Society martial practitioners in Wu County, why didn’t I notice you were putting on a show?”

“I and Brother Song risked our lives to come rescue you, and afterward I even reported to the sect to claim merit for you. Chen Qisheng, while you were playing these tricks, did you ever consider that you might get me and Brother Song killed?”

Gazing at the figure crouched beneath the eaves, He Zhu’s anger‑filled eyes flickered with doubt.

“Chen Qisheng, if you fear death so much, why did you join Wudang in the first place? Why choose the True Martial path? Why enter the Demon‑Subduing Hall?!”

His questioning rose louder and louder, until it neared a roar.

“Senior brother, say a little less.”

The Daoist of the Song surname sighed, tugging at He Zhu's sleeve.

When they were outside Wu County, he did not think Chen Qisheng's solitary bravery in killing the enemy was feigned.

Yet he also could not understand why a sudden imperial edict had transferred Chen Qisheng away from the Demon‑Subduing Hall.

Now the situation is perilous, the strife among the sects intensifying.

This is a reality everyone can see.

As the true martial sword’s edge, the Demon‑Subduing Hall bears the duty to slay demons and protect the Way; it ought naturally to stand at the front, sacrificing life for the sect.

If one is unwilling to face danger, can one really escape by such low‑handed tricks?

No one wishes to die and have the Way vanish, but as disciples of Wudang, some things are simply what they must do.

“Very well. Chen Qisheng, although you still hold a Wudang Daoist registry, from now on I, He Zhu, will no longer regard you as a fellow brother‑in‑arms; go with your senior brother Zhao Yanlong to be a gatekeeper. There you will be safe enough to guard your peace for a lifetime.”

He Zhu turned resolutely, flicked his sleeve, and departed.

“We of us have no background, but in our eyes the true martial Way outweighs life itself. If you fear death, then let us die in your stead!”

Chen Qisheng, who had not spoken a word from beginning to end, fingered the edict in his bosom, his eyes clouded with a complex light.